Be. Dietz, THE RELATIONSHIP OF AGING TO SELF-ESTEEM - THE RELATIVE EFFECTS OF MATURATION AND ROLE ACCUMULATION, International journal of aging & human development, 43(3), 1996, pp. 249-266
This research examines the relationship of age and two dimensions of s
elf-esteem using a national sample of adults in the United States. The
direct effects of age on self-worth and on self-efficacy are compared
to the indirect effects of age on these through role accumulation. Fi
ndings indicate those over age sixty-five experience heightened levels
of self-esteem, especially on self-efficacy, compared to their younge
r counterparts. However, through the intervening variable of role accu
mulation, older age is associated with decreases in self-esteem. The i
mplications of these findings are discussed for maturational and role
perspectives on the aging self, and a more general theory of self-este
em dimensions.